Abstract: The article examines the transformation of access control systems (ACS) from simple physical barriers into complex intelligent platforms. The purpose of the work is to analyze and systematize the multifunctional capabilities of modern ACS that go beyond traditional access restrictions. The study examined the technological evolution of systems, their integration with other corporate IT infrastructures and the impact on operational efficiency. It was found that modern ACS are a source of valuable data for optimizing business processes, improving labor discipline and automating working time accounting. The practical significance of the study lies in the substantiation of the need to consider investments in ACS not as security costs, but as investments in improving the overall productivity and manageability of the enterprise, which is important for managers and security specialists of critical facilities.
In the context of the digitalization of the economy and the increasing complexity of business processes, the requirements for corporate security are undergoing significant changes. The traditional perception of access control and management systems as a tool for physically restricting access to a territory is giving way to the concept of an integrated platform deeply integrated into the enterprise’s IT ecosystem. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to protect not only tangible assets, but also information resources, as well as the need for businesses to improve operational efficiency. Underestimating the multifunctional potential of ACS leads to missed opportunities in the field of automation and analytics. The purpose of this article is a scientific analysis of the evolution of ACS and substantiation of their status as a fundamental element that ensures not only security, but also optimization of internal processes in modern enterprises, including critical infrastructure facilities.
The evolution of ACS: from a mechanical lock to an IT platform
Historically, access control has been based on mechanical devices such as locks and physical barriers. With the development of electronics, the first autonomous controllers using magnetic stripe or barcode cards appeared. However, a real technological leap occurred with the transition to network-based ACS, which made it possible to centrally manage access in real time. Modern systems are complex hardware and software complexes based on IP technologies. Martin Garcia in his work “Design and evaluation of physical protection systems” emphasizes that the effectiveness of protection is determined not so much by the reliability of an individual element as by the coherence of the entire system as a whole [1].
The current stage of evolution is characterized by the transition to more reliable identification methods. Simple RFID cards, which can be lost or copied, are being replaced by multifactor authentication, biometric technologies, and the use of mobile devices as an identifier [3]. Biometric ACS using fingerprints, face recognition, or iris recognition provide almost one hundred percent reliable identification, which is critically important for facilities with increased security requirements.
Integration of ACS with corporate systems
- One of the fundamental differences of modern ACS is their ability to integrate deeply with other information systems of the enterprise. An isolated access control system is considered ineffective today. The full realization of the ACS potential is achieved through its interface with several related subsystems.
- Video surveillance systems (CCTV): Integration allows you to automatically verify a passing employee by comparing the image from the camera with a photo from the database. In case of an unauthorized access attempt, the system can automatically display the image from the corresponding camera on the operator’s monitor and start recording the archive.
- Security and fire alarm system (OPS): When a fire alarm is triggered, the ACS can automatically unlock evacuation exits, ensuring unhindered evacuation of people, and at the same time block access to dangerous areas.
- Human Resources Management (HRM) and Accounting (ERP) systems: This area of integration represents the greatest value for operational efficiency. Data on the arrival and departure times of employees is automatically transferred from the ACS to the HRM system for the formation of time sheets, payroll and labor discipline analysis. This approach eliminates the human factor and reduces the labor costs of the HR department [4].
ACS as a data source for business intelligence
The data generated by the access control system is a valuable resource for analytics and optimization. Information about employee walkways allows you not only to control discipline, but also to analyze the workload of the premises, optimize the use of workspaces and even identify inefficient logistics routes within the enterprise.
For example, analyzing data on the movement of personnel and transport across the territory of a large industrial facility may reveal “bottlenecks” in logistics or the suboptimal location of warehouses and production sites. As noted in facility management studies, the analysis of the flows of people and equipment helps in planning infrastructure and increasing its capacity [2]. In retail, analyzing the traffic to certain areas of a store using data from ACS and video analytics helps optimize the display of goods. Thus, the ACS is transformed from a costly part of the security budget into a tool that provides data for making informed management decisions.
Thus, the modern access control and management system is a multifunctional IT platform, the capabilities of which are much broader than the simple restriction of physical access. The analysis showed that the evolution of ACS has led to the emergence of integrated solutions capable of deep integration with other corporate systems. This integration allows not only to significantly increase the level of security through multifactor authentication and automated response scenarios, but also to achieve significant economic benefits.
Automation of time management, optimization of resource use and provision of data for business intelligence transform ACS from a cost center into a tool for increasing operational efficiency. For business leaders, especially in the field of critical infrastructure, the right approach is to consider the introduction or modernization of ACS as a strategic investment in the sustainability and competitiveness of the business. Further development of these systems will involve the use of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics technologies to prevent incidents before they occur.
List of literature
1) Garcia, M. L. Design and evaluation of physical protection systems. – 2nd ed. – Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. – 376 p.
2) Effective physical security. – 5th ed. – Butterworth-Heinemann, 2016. – 458 p.
3) Jane A. K., Ross A. A. and Nandakumar K. An introduction to biometrics. – Springer, 2014. – 328 p.
4) Donald J. Bowersox, David J. Kloss. Logistics Management: An integrated supply chain process. – McGraw-Hill, 1996. – 730 p.
